4 tips to keep your lungs healthy

4 Tips to keep your lungs healthy

Some people will remember a time when they could breathe deep almost anywhere, and they would feel the fresh air rush into their lungs.
Considering the current predicament, with pollution at an all-time high, in most places around the world, feeling suffocated is normal. The news that is circulating in the media does not paint a bright picture either.

According to Indian Journal of Medical Research, “Lung cancer constitutes 6.9 percent of total new cancer cases and 9.3 percent of total cancer-related deaths”. And this number is increasing at an alarming rate. COPD is one of the major problems that can cause serious complications.
However, there are a few things you can do to keep your lungs healthy.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco causes one death every 6 seconds around the world and it is estimated that tobacco use will cause 8 million deaths by 2030. The Statistics are sure to scare people, yet the number of people smoking is on the rise. The best thing you can do is to stop smoking or avoid starting in the first place. Passive smoking can also lead to COPD, and Lung cancer.

Avoid Exposing yourself to pollutants

As of December 2017, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is at 267 in New Delhi. According to theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency, the range that is globally accepted is between 101 – 150, even though this range can affect people suffering from respiratory diseases. 267 is considered extremely unhealthy. Exploring the city without a mask is dangerous and can cause numerous respiratory problems.
Acquiring a high-quality pollution mask, preferably N95 or greater, can alleviate the risk.

Swimming

Swimming not only increases your muscle strength but also increases the lung capacity. The more you swim, the better your blood pressure, which makes breathing a lot easier. Swimming can significantly help improve lung capacity for the elderly and people with breathing problems.

Breathing Exercises

With the amount of smoke and pollutants in the environment today, breathing can be hard even for people with no breathing issues.Why?
Your lungs are doing their best to expel the carbon-di-oxide from your body. If you can boost your lung capacity, this process becomes a lot easier. Yoga is considered one of the best breathing exercises. People living in Urban and the Suburban areas should opt for yoga, to maintain a healthy respiratory system.

The Conclusion

With global pollution levels on the rise, it is unlikely that the air quality will reach safe levels, but these tips can come in handy, saving you and your loved ones from serious respiratory complications and will help you to lead healthier more active lives.